Nahum 1:13 (ESV)

“And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.”

A yoke is a wooden beam typically used between a pair of oxen or other animals to pull a load.

The animal is directed by a string or rope held by the master to get the work done.

When the wooden beam is placed on the animal’s neck, it understands that it is under the master’s control and will move as directed.

In the Bible, the yoke represents burden, bondage, or captivity in a person’s life. I also had one sickness and fear followed by it, Yet again this word delivered me from both.

I’m always thrilled to share my personal testimony—it continually reminds me of how faithful our God is. During one of the darkest seasons of my life, I fell severely ill. My head throbbed day and night for many days, my nose bled frequently, and I suffered from intense neck and shoulder pain. I tried everything I could to feel better, but the enemy kept whispering every negative thought imaginable.

Despite the doctors, diagnoses, and treatments, nothing helped. I grew fearful of further tests, worried that the results might bring bad news. As my physical strength weakened, my spiritual strength also began to fade. I knew something was wrong about this sickness, but I didn’t understand what it was.

At one point, my head was hung low for days—I couldn’t lift it. My neck felt weak, my shoulders sore, and my strength was gone. With no one home except my six-year-old, fear reached its peak. Late at night, I walked around the bedroom with my weakness weighing me down.

Deep inside, I knew if someone prayed for me, I would feel better—but I didn’t have the faith or strength to pray myself. I scrolled through my contact list, hoping to find someone to call, but I had isolated myself from nearly everyone. What I longed for was prayer from someone who didn’t personally know me.

I remembered my sister once giving me the phone number of a well-known minister. She told me I could call him anytime for prayer. I had saved the number but never called him for over a year. That night, my heart wanted to reach out, but the spiritual battle was so heavy that I hesitated.

Knowing he was a busy minister, I doubted he would answer. He was also in another country, and when I checked his ministry website, I saw he was preaching live at that very moment. Still, after the service ended, I called his personal number—and to my surprise, he answered on the first attempt to reach him.

I didn’t explain my sickness in detail, yet he discerned exactly what was happening and began to pray with authority, quoting the same scripture: “I will break his yoke from off you.” He rebuked the yoke of bondage over my neck and declared that it would be completely destroyed.

As he prayed, I felt something shift inside me. I didn’t fully understand what had happened, but I knew something had broken. My pain eased, and I managed to lift my head again. I could feel My recovery started to begin , that yoke was broken—physically and spiritually.

I learned that God truly is a Healer and a very present help in times of need. I also realized the importance of being connected to believing brothers and sisters in Christ. God hears the prayers of the righteous, and fellowship with faith-filled people keeps us lifted and strengthened.

My yoke had been predominantly fear. The enemy had taken control of that yoke, tightening it around my thoughts, leading me into depression and despair. But that day, I came to hate that yoke—and through the power of prayer, it was destroyed.

Thank God for the Holy Spirit. Thank God for the blood of Jesus Christ. No yoke is stronger than the power of the Holy Spirit!

The Word of God today reminds us that we do not have to live under the bondage of fear, anxiety, deception, depression, or sickness. When we surrender to these, we hand the control rope of our yoke to the enemy, allowing him to direct, abuse, and destroy our peace and happiness.

Just as the prophet declared to the people in captivity, God is declaring over you: He will break your yoke and destroy your bonds completely.

Stand firm in faith and believe that God will lift your burden and deliver you from every oppression. Even in your darkest hour and With the little strength you have, seek Him—He will come through for you. Reach out to those who can pray and encourage you .

He will deliver you.

He will heal you.

He will completely destroy the works of the enemy in your life.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being my Deliverer and Healer. Break every yoke of bondage that weighs on my mind, body, and spirit. Strengthen my faith when I feel weak, and surround me with godly people who will lift me up in prayer. Thank You, Lord, for the power of Your Word and the victory we have through Jesus Christ. In His mighty name I pray, Amen.